Policy Research Fellow - Digital Health Governance

UNU; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 239,000 - 252,000; Full time

Job summary

A global think tank seeks a Policy Research Fellow in Kuala Lumpur to lead projects on digital health governance. The successful candidate will manage research initiatives, collaborate with international partners, and develop policies addressing health data governance challenges. Candidates should hold a Master's degree with 7+ years experience or a PhD with 5+ years in relevant fields. An attractive compensation package and benefits are offered, including a net salary between USD 59,151.00 and USD 62,024.00.

Benefits

30 days annual leave

Health insurance

Qualifications

• Master’s degree with at least 7 years of relevant experience or PhD with 5 years.
• Track record in international research and policy engagement.
• Demonstrated ability to manage development research in an international environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead projects and policy-relevant research in digital health governance.
• Manage partnerships with researchers and external stakeholders.
• Contribute to capacity development and policy dialogue.

Skills

Research management

Data governance

Policy analysis

Interpersonal skills

English communication

Education

Master’s degree

PhD

Job description

About United Nations University

The United Nations University (UNU) is a global think tank and postgraduate teaching organization within the United Nations System. UNU engages in policy-relevant research, capacity development, and knowledge dissemination in furtherance of the purposes and principles of the United Nations. The work of UNU contributes to solving pressing global problems that are the concern of the United Nations and its Member States.

For the past five decades, UNU has been a source of impartial research on sustainability, human security, and economic development. With hundreds of researchers working at institutes in 12 countries, UNU's expertise spans the full breadth of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, generating policy-relevant knowledge to effect positive global change. UNU collaborates closely with other UN entities and leading research institutions across the globe. For more information, please visit http://unu.edu

About the Institute (UNU-IIGH, Kuala Lumpur)

UNU-International Institute for Global Health is one of 14 research and training Institutes that comprise the think tanks in the UNU system. UNU-IIGH was established in 2005 with the mission to advance evidence-based policy on key issues related to sustainable development and global health. UNU-IIGH aims to build knowledge and capacity for decision-making by UN agencies, UN programmes and Member States towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Leveraging its position within the UN, UNU-IIGH works with a network of academic, policy and civil society experts to serve as a platform for critical thinking and exchange of knowledge and tools for policy influence and consensus-building. For more information, please visit http://unu.edu/iigh.

The position

Over the course of the previous strategic plan (2019-2023), UNU-IIGH has built a significant body of work to advance the integration of rights-based and gender-responsive approaches to health systems and institutions, contributing to the overarching SDG of health for all. Leveraging its position in the Global South and as an interlocutor across multiple stakeholder groups, including government, research and the private sector, through its new strategic plan for 2024-2028 the institute operates across 4 fundamental work packages. For details, please visit: https://unu.edu/iigh/our-work. UNU-IIGH is recruiting a policy research fellow for the following work package:

Digital Health Security & Governance: address the colonial legacies and power asymmetries that negatively impact robust digital health governance, identify ways to strengthen health data governance with a particular focus on SRHR and promote diversity in technology design and development.

Under the leadership of the Director and supervision of the respective Research Lead, UNU-IIGH is looking for outstanding researcher for this work package, who will provide technical input as well as manage selected projects, leading the production of policy-relevant analyses and research, convening critical policy dialogues and developing capacity strengthening initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead on selected projects within the relevant work package, and the generation and dissemination of policy-relevant research
• Provide technical and managerial leadership for the successful implementation of research and policy engagement activities
• Build and manage partnerships with external researchers and partners
• Ensure projects produce specified results to the required standard of quality and within the timeline and budget parameters
• Contribute to capacity development, knowledge translation and policy dialogue facilitation
• Contribute to resource mobilization related to the work package
• Participate in international research, policy and outreach events
• Supervise policy research associates, PhD students, junior researchers, interns; and
• Perform any other tasks as assigned by the Director or Research Leads

Competencies

Values:

• Inclusion - Take action to create an environment of dignity and respect for all, regardless of age, culture, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, geography, grade, language, nationality, racial identity, religion, sex, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, social origin or any other aspect of identity.
• Integrity - Act ethically, demonstrating the standards of conduct of the United Nations and taking prompt action in case of witnessing unprofessional or unethical behaviour, or any other breach of UN standards.
• Humility - Demonstrate self-awareness and willingness to learn from others.
• Humanity - Act according to the purposes of the United Nations: peace, dignity and equality on a healthy planet.

Behaviours:

• Connect and Collaborate - Build positive relationships with others to advance the work of the United Nations and work coherently as One UN
• Analyse and Plan - Seek out and use data from a wide range of sources to understand problems, inform decision-making, propose evidence-based solutions and plan action
• Deliver Results with Positive Impact - Hold oneself and others accountable for delivering results and making a positive difference to the people and causes that the United Nations serves
• Learn and Develop - Pursue own learning and development and contribute to the learning and development of others
• Adapt and Innovate - Demonstrate flexibility, agility and the ability to think and act in novel ways

Required qualifications and experience for the position include:

• Master’s degree in a relevant field with a minimum of seven (7) years of relevant progressively senior professional experience, including the management of research, training and policy programmes; or

• PhD in a relevant field with a minimum of five (5) years of relevant progressively senior professional experience, including the management of research, training and policy programmes

• Demonstrated ability to carry out and manage development research activities in an international environment

• Evidence of academic and peer-reviewed publications related to relevant areas of the work packages

• Demonstrated track record in international research and policy engagement in areas related to the work package

• Evidence of teaching and research supervision experience

• Excellent verbal and written skills in English across a range of communication formats (academic publications, programme reports, policy briefs). Knowledge of another official UN language would be an asset

• Track record of competitive funding and resource mobilization from national and international funding agencies; and

• Excellent team player with strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Remuneration

The successful candidate will be employed under a PSA contract at P-3 level and no relocation allowances apply. UNU offers an attractive compensation package including an annual net salary in the range of USD59,151.00 - USD62,024.00, commensurate with the experience and qualifications of the candidate. Benefits include 30 days of annual leave and a health insurance scheme.

UNU is not liable for any taxes that may be levied on the remuneration you receive under this contract. Payment of any such taxes remains the sole responsibility of PSA holders.

Duration of contract

The duration of the initial contract is one year. This is Personnel Service Agreement (PSA) contract with UNU, with the possibility for renewal subject to requirements and satisfactory work performance. The combined duration of a PSA contract with UNU may not exceed six (6) years. The mandatory age of retirement for PSA holders is 65 years.

Expected Start Date: As soon as possible

How to Apply

To apply to UNU, you will not need an account. Instead, we ask that you:

• Apply via the apply link;
• fill out the UNU P11 Form (please avoid using similar forms provided by other United Nations organisations or else, will be disqualified);
• provide a motivation statement (in the P11 form);
• answer a few questions that are tailored to the position, including ranking of which work package you would like to be considered for;
• previous applicants need not apply

You may wish to refer to the UNU Values and Behaviours Framework for more information.

Application Deadline

22 February 2026 (MYT 11.59 pm)

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by a competency-based interview, background checks, and references.

Special Notice

PSA holders do not hold international civil servant status, nor are they considered a “staff member” as defined in the UN Staff Rules and Regulations. PSA holders may be assigned to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations University. The Rector reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a level below that advertised.

UNU is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities to apply and become part of the organization. Applications from developing countries, and from women are strongly encouraged. Eligible internal applicants are also encouraged to apply. UNU has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNU, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination.

If you have supervisory function you need to have awareness on gender related issues.

Information about UNU rosters

UNU reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNU at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

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